The Queensland Government recently amended legislation removing the requirement for compulsory water tanks to new houses. This change came into effect on 1 February 2013. Originally introduced to help provide assistance to Queensland households during drought and low rainfall periods, the current government has removed the requirement to help alleviate the rising cost of building new houses. The cost of having a tank can be around the $6000 mark by the time the water is plumbed into the household fixtures and fittings.

Certain developments and estates may still require rainwater tanks to be included as part of their conditions, so if looking to purchase a new block of land take into account these possible additional costs.